Nursing care of acute stroke patients after receiving rt-PA therapy. The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study Group.
Treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute stroke requires intensive care of the patient. The risk of thrombolytic therapy and the need for rapid interventions make it clear that the nursing role during this time is crucial. Nurses should be familiar with safe dosage and administration of rt-PA for stroke, which is clearly different than administration of rt-PA for myocardial infarction. Furthermore, thrombolytic stroke treatment must be accompanied by intensive neurological monitoring to observe for complications. Intracerebral hemorrhage is usually accompanied by an acute change in neurological status and vital sign instability. Intensive monitoring of neurologic condition, vital signs, cardiac status and other standard critical care practices must be initiated immediately to optimize patient outcome.
Braimah
J
J
Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Atlanta, Georgia 30335, USA.
Kongable
G
G
Rapp
K
K
Daley
S
S
Bratina
P
P
Sailor
S
S
Barch
C
C
Donnarumma
R
R
Spilker
J
J
D000465:Algorithms; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D019091:Critical Pathways; D003663:Decision Trees; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D010960:Plasminogen Activators; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator